Kolkata ushered in the year 2026 with an unprecedented outdoor celebration, as the city's rooftop restaurants and al fresco eateries witnessed a massive surge in crowds. After a challenging year that saw several venues shut down for months, the New Year's Eve of Wednesday night marked a decisive and vibrant comeback for the open-air dining scene.
Chill in the Air Fuels Festive Frenzy
A rare and pleasant crispness in the December air became the star ingredient for the city's party calendar. This drop in temperature dramatically changed the experience for revellers, who enthusiastically chose terraces, courtyards, and sky-high decks over indoor spaces. The comfortable breeze made long hours of music, food, and cocktails feel effortless, encouraging venues to host larger events with special DJ nights and curated New Year menus designed for open-air celebrations.
Across prominent areas like Park Street, New Town, Salt Lake, and beyond, open-air spaces—often unbearable during humid months—transformed into the most sought-after spots in the city. For many, the weather was not just a comfort but a central part of the appeal.
Record Turnouts Signal Strong Comeback
The festive momentum, building since mid-December, culminated in packed venues. On Park Street, LMNOQ—which had remained shut for an extended period earlier in the year—saw a capacity crowd of more than 300 people on New Year's Eve, mirroring its strong Christmas Eve response. Nityanand Paul of LMNOQ noted that while all New Year's Eves are special, the chill made this one "extra special."
Nearby, Bombastic reported an even larger gathering of 500-550 people for the countdown. The success story was replicated citywide. Roots celebrated footfall crossing 1,000, calling New Year's Eve the "crowning glory" of a robust December. Hashtag was completely sold out with 600 advance bookings, while Altair in Sector V hosted 700 guests, with an additional 150 booked for a private party.
Revellers Embrace the Winter Vibe
Party-goers wholeheartedly embraced the unusual winter chill. Jayeeta Ghosh from Lake Town, who celebrated at a New Town hotspot, compared the weather to Darjeeling and said it added a unique zing to the festive mood. "Usually, I sweat after dancing for an hour. But in this weather, it feels great," she remarked, capturing the sentiment of many.
The night of December 31st, 2025, ultimately served as a powerful testament to the resilience of Kolkata's outdoor hospitality sector. The combination of perfect weather and a public eager to celebrate outdoors propelled the city's rooftop and open-air venues to a record-breaking start for the new year.
